It is Possible for Kenyans in Diaspora to Vote in 2022, Safaricom Chairman Michael Joseph Says

Safaricom Chairman Michael Joseph says it is possible for Kenyans in the diaspora to participate in the 2022 general election.

Speaking on The Echo Chamber Podcast, Joseph indicated that Safaricom has the technology to facilitate diaspora voting.

“Technically, of course, we can do it. There is no problem; I think it could be done,” Joseph said.

By ensuring that systems are well secured to prevent double voting, he said Kenyans living and working abroad can cast their ballots from wherever they are.

In 2014, the Supreme Court ordered the progressive registration of Kenyans in the diaspora to enable them to participate in local elections. The directive came after a petition filed by a lobby group, New Vision Kenya.

The court directed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to register Kenyans living abroad and file an annual report on such registration, for review by Parliament.

The electoral commission was further ordered to put in place infrastructure for comprehensive registration of Kenyans in the diaspora.

In the 2017 elections, only Kenyans in East African countries including Uganda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda were allowed to vote.